Advancing ocular oncology worldwide
The International Society of Ocular Oncology is a non-profit corporation with a single purpose: to advance and promote the practice of ocular oncology. ISOO connects clinicians, researchers, and scientists who care for tumors of the eyelids, conjunctiva, intraocular structures, and orbit.
To promote the advancement of ocular oncology through coordination with general ophthalmology, general oncology, ophthalmic pathology, and allied sciences. ISOO pursues this mission by encouraging research, improving teaching and technical methods, and strengthening patient care through scientific meetings and programs worldwide.
How the field, and the society, took shape
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1970s and 1980s
A field in its infancy
Few ocular oncologists practiced anywhere in the world. Most patients with an eye tumor were managed by general ophthalmologists or other specialists. Education was limited to occasional presentations at retina and general ophthalmology meetings.
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Mid 1980s and 1990s
A defined subspecialty emerges
Ocular oncology grew into a dedicated subspecialty for tumors of the eyelids, conjunctiva, intraocular structures, and orbit. Fellowship training programs developed, and ophthalmologists began referring patients to centers of excellence.
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Before 2004
Early gatherings
Specialists organized occasional meetings to discuss tumor causes, clinical features, management, and outcomes. The need for a formal society became clear as the field matured.
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2004
ISOO is formally established
The society was founded with articles of incorporation filed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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2004 onward
A growing global community
ISOO hosted biennial congresses across continents and grew into a network of more than 600 members in 68 countries and six continents.
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2025
Reaching the world online
ISOO Virtual 2025 brought together more than 1,500 participants from 132 countries, extending the society's reach far beyond any single venue.
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2026
A year of new programs
ISOO returned in person for its congress in Rio de Janeiro, launched a quarterly webinar series, introduced the ISOO Collaborations Framework for working with partners, and laid the groundwork for the ISOO Foundation, a charitable arm to support education, research, and access.
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Looking ahead
ISOO Athens 2028 and beyond
The next biennial congress takes place in Athens, Greece, from June 14 to 18, 2028, with Singapore in 2030 and Miami in 2032 to follow.
Active year-round, well beyond the congress
ISOO connects more than 600 members across 68 countries. The biennial congress is one part of a year-round program that supports research, education, and patient care everywhere.
Biennial & Virtual Congress
A flagship in-person congress every other year, with a full virtual congress in alternating years. ISOO Virtual 2025 reached more than 1,500 participants from 132 countries.
View meetings →ISOO Webinar Series
A quarterly series anchored to global awareness moments, covering retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, ocular surface tumors, and more. Free for members.
See upcoming webinars →YOO Webinar Series
The Young Ocular Oncologists series builds skills and community for trainees and early-career specialists worldwide.
Explore the YOO series →Travel Grants
More than 100 grants awarded each year, prioritizing members in training and colleagues in low- and middle-income countries.
Explore grants →Global Twinning Program
Pairing centers across high- and low-income countries to share expertise and strengthen care.
Learn more →Collaborative Research
Member-led multicenter studies that accelerate discovery across retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, and more.
View projects →OOP Journal Access
Full access to Ocular Oncology and Pathology, with free publication for member submissions.
About the journal →Partner with ISOO
A clear three-tier framework lets members and organizations request formal collaboration on meetings, symposia, and educational programs.
Collaborate with ISOO →List Your Society
Are you part of an ocular oncology society? Add it to our global directory so colleagues everywhere can find and connect with you.
View the societies →Led by the global community it serves
ISOO is guided by an elected Board of Directors and supported by standing committees that cover ethics, bylaws, grants, membership, named lectures, congress planning, and more.
ISOO Athens 2028
June 14 to 18, 2028 · Athens, Greece · Hosted by Dr. Maria Pefkianaki
Join the global ocular oncology community for five days of world-class science, collaboration, and education in one of the world's most storied cities.
View all meetingsJoin the global ocular oncology community
Membership connects you with more than 600 specialists across 68 countries, with access to educational programs, travel grants, the OOP journal, and the biennial congress.